NISD's School Messenger will keep parents informed

Special to the Northwest Weekly -

Published
12:00 am CDT, Thursday, August 12, 2010

Northside ISD is launching a new notification system called School Messenger this month that will communicate directly with its 94,000-plus students and their parents as well as 13,000 employees quickly via a phone call.

The system will allow the schools and district to send important information (as well as Emergency Notices) to parents and employees via phone and eventually, in Phase II, via e-mail and text messaging.

"We are excited by this opportunity to enhance communication between schools and our parents," says Brian Woods, deputy superintendent for administration.

"This system will enable us to provide timely and accurate news and information, as well as emergency notification, both from the schools and district."

Initially, all Northside campuses will use the system to call the primary phone number that the school has for the family to report absences or to provide general information. Therefore, it is critical that the phone number be accurate and current. The schools are in the process of confirming phone numbers now.

Later in the school year, parents will be able to log into the School Messenger website to manage their contact information, which will include adding e-mail and text-enabled devices, as well as adding additional phone numbers to be called by the system.

If some parents feel that the phone number on record at their schools may not be accurate, they are encouraged to contact their school's attendance secretary.

A list of schools and phone numbers is available on the district's website.